Heaven's new citizen

Cathy lost her battle against cancer on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 12:30 AM surrounded by her family and a dear friend. The grief is horrible, but we do not "grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope" [1 Thes 4:13]. We share her belief in the atoning sacrifice of Christ for salvation and the hope of glory.

Cathy's love of God and passion to share the gospel of Christ animated her and endeared her to so many who loved her in return.

Visitation will be in the commons of College Church in Wheaton from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Monday February 22 and her memorial service will be in the sanctuary on Tuesday, February 23 at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private.

Soon more information will be available at hultgrenfh.com

Dateline 2/10/10

We [Cathy, her sister Kay & brother-in-law Dan and I] met with Dr. Bayer on Monday, 2/8 PM for what will become a weekly blood draw & observation. While he was heartened to hear Cathy state her current intention to fight on, he did tell us some new and difficult things:

1. He described Cathy's "state" as catabolic. While I can't describe that well enough or thorough enough, suffice it to say it is daunting.
2. He mentioned that Cathy's bilirubin needs to get down to no higher than 2 to enable her to get on the PARP inhibitor study.
3. He told us that the ascitic fluid in her abdomen is rich in protein. While it is good to remove the fluid such that cancer is not bathing in / fed by it and she experiences some relief from the swelling, it means that after a draining, more fluid is produced which continues to deplete her body of the protein she needs. Also there is a concern not to eat too much protein to make up for the loss, as that could cause kidney failure - we walk a fine line.

Finally today we learned of her bilirubin levels from the 2/8 blood draw: 9.4

While this is discouraging, both Dr Bayer and Conzen [U of C breast cancer specialist] cautioned us that it will take 3-4 weeks before we'll know of the efficacy of the current chemo Cathy is on, Xeloda. I'll recap the bilirubin levels over the last month:

1/15 5.2
1/26 9.9
1/28 11.3 [drawn @ U of C]
1/30 7.9
2/8 9.4

I just wonder about the accuracy of 1/28 or 1/30 or the potential that the U of C lab equipment is calibrated to different standards than Delnor's eqpt.

The side effects of Xeloda are mounting up on Cathy, in addition to her pain & discomfort from the cancer and ascites, but she'll get a week's reprieve after her last dose on Friday evening. We continue to COVET your prayers for strength, comfort, healing and mercy from God our father.

Update ...

It was a rough day for the most part for Cathy. Most who spent time with her over the last two days have expressed deep concern for my sweetheart.

I spent the late afternoon with Cathy taking her to Delnor Hospital to learn how to use the catheter to drain the fluid in her abdomen. 1650 ml of fluid was taken and I observed some relief and an uptick in Cathy's countenance.

Being "my evening off", I took the occasion to attend an "Adult Service Provider Resource Fair" [agencies offering services for individuals with disabilities]. I mention this for two reasons:

1. I bumped into a number of people who know my wife and daughter. In discussing Cathy's situation, I was encouraged and so proud of my wife AND daughter with the comments about the impression they both have made through the years - bright sunshine!
2. I returned home to find my wife back in the throes of her familiar and increasing pain

Thankfully, Cathy is able to sleep fairly well, thanks either to Advil or the prescribed Vicadin, and is doing so now. Thanks for your continued prayers, cards and acts of service, meals, etc.

Another intervention ...

The ascites was back in a big way on Sunday, within 24 hours of the "paracentesis ". Cathy had vowed she would not replay Saturday's intervention due to the pain - and SHE IS A TOUGH COOKIE!

This side affect of liver compromise will not go away with one draining of the peritoneal cavity, it is chronic unless and until liver function improves. The new chemo [Xeloda] Cathy is on has the potential of helping the liver to improve by destroying the cancerous breast cells that are now in her liver and allow the liver to replace those cancerous cells with healthy liver cells.

In order to "buy time" for Xeloda to provide this improvement [Dr. Bayer estimated 3-4 weeks], we needed a way to mitigate the agony she is experiencing with the significant abdominal distension - thus we had her abdomen "tapped" again today but with a PleurX catheter that will allow us to drain the fluid as often as daily.

Cathy is in extreme discomfort from the liver and ascites and experiences sharp pain whenever she moves quickly or in the wrong direction [which is just about any direction]. Chronic fatigue is a common side effect of ascites due to cancer so when in a comfortable position, she can rest well.

I am reminded how the young live as if immortal / invincible. At this time we are painfully aware of how fragile we are; given each heartbeat and breath by our omniscient and loving God. Please pray for Cathy's pain control, the efficacy of the catheter and chemo and grace & mercy from the Lord.